Agartala: August 06: A horrifying incident of armed robbery has shaken the quiet town of Sonamura in Tripura, pushing fears of rising lawlessness in the region. In what locals are calling one of the most gruesome crimes in recent times, an elderly man was murdered and his wife severely injured during a late-night robbery at their residence.
The attack occurred in Ward No. 4 of the Sridurga Sangha area under Melaghar-Kalamkhet Gram Panchayat. A gang of 10 to 12 armed robbers broke into the house around midnight. The elderly couple—Shantiranjan Das (82) and his wife Namita Das (70)—were alone at home. The gang tied up Shantiranjan and beat him to death when he tried to resist. His wife was brutally attacked with sharp weapons and left in a critical condition.
The couple’s three sons were away—one serving in TSR and two others working in Agartala—leaving the elderly pair vulnerable. The robbers targeted the wife’s gold ornaments, attempting to snatch earrings and necklaces. The couple resisted, leading to the fatal assault.
Upon receiving the news in the morning, a large police team led by the SDPO rushed to the scene and cordoned off the house. Forensic experts were called in, and locals were questioned. Shock and fear gripped the area as residents expressed deep concern about their safety, questioning whether anyone was truly secure in their own homes anymore.
Police have arrested three suspects from Kathalia Mura under Sonamura police station on suspicion of involvement in the robbery. Officials believe further names from the gang may emerge during interrogation.
Namita Das has been shifted to GB Hospital in Agartala in critical condition, while the body of Shantiranjan Das was sent for autopsy. Investigations are ongoing.
